The Discovery Centre is buzzing with activity!

The Marine Discovery Centre is a hive of activity at the moment with several groups of students working in and around the place.

We have 33 ANU geology students here for a 2 week study period and we've certainly put on some great weather for their field trips.

On top of this we have quite a few young students from High Schools across the Bega Valley Shire participating in a 2010 Year of Biodiversity Grant Project.  The funding allows for the students to create models of 6 different species of whale and dolphin, aided by talented local artist Ally Dalton.

Adding to the fun is Heather, a 3rd year uni student from La Trobe University - Heather is here for work experience in her field of expertise - natural resource education.

Never a dull moment at the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre!

November Newsletter out now!

The November Newsletter is out now - read all our latest news by clicking here:

Whale Weekend a HUGE success

Whale Weekend at the Discovery Centre was a huge success.  There was standing room only in the Theatrette on Friday night for Dave Donnelly's very informative presentation about the latest news in whale research.

This happy crowd just 'planted' their whale tails

Dave was joined by Kylie Owen who is about to start her PhD on a number of aspects of the humpback whale migration that has become such a huge part of the culture of the Sapphire Coast.  She wowed the crowd with video footage of the placement of high tech monitoring devices onto the backs of humpbacks and another giving the audience a close look at how these amazing creatures feed when in our region on the way to Antarctica.

Rick Walker was very proud of his scrimshaw sperm whale tooth

Saturday was a huge day, with loads of young families taking advantage of the free entry.  Many children happily coloured in whale tails for the Sea of Whale Tails, made their own 'scrimshaw' on plaster cast sperm whale teeth, and we're sure all of them spent time checking out the animals in the ever-popular touch tank.

Watch out for Whales during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre

David Donnelly, Marine Wildlife Consultant

There'll be lots of things to see and do during WHALE WEEKEND at the Discovery Centre on 29th & 30th October.  Friday night will see well known Marine Wildlife Consultant David Donnelly telling us all about his amazing adventures researching many species of whales along the East Coast of Australia.  This will take place in the Discovery Centre Theatrette from 6pm. No bookings required, $5 per person entry.

www.marinemammalresearch.com at work

Entry will be FREE on Saturday, with loads of fun activities for all ages:  kids' tattoos, a Sea of Whale Tails courtesy of our friends from www.marinemammalresearch.com , scrimshawing sperm whale teeth ($5 per tooth), educational displays and activities.  This is the place to find out all about all the species of whales we find on the Sapphire Coast.  Have a look at the flyer for all the details or give us a call on 6496 1699 and we'll tell you all about it.

Great Aussie Road Trip visitors

SCMDC Marine Scientist Sheree Epe with the Power family on their ramble

The Power family from Lyneham in the ACT were our special guests last week as part of their Great Aussie Road Trip.  Jasmine, Jemma and little Teddy, along with parents Rachel and Greg and a few friends took part in a guided Rocky Shore Ramble with Sheree and Jade before touring the Discovery Centre.

The children especially enjoyed watching the octopus Matilda entertain them as well as many of the other exhibits. Read all about their trip to the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre here:
http://www.greataussieroadtrip.com.au/power-family/sapphire-coast-to-the-snowy-mountains/sapphire-coast-gem.html

Holiday Discovery Programs - join in and discover the Sapphire Coast!

Join our experienced Guides for a Holiday Discovery Program.  We run Rocky Shore Rambles and Guided Beach Walks - get a group of 4 or more together and take a stroll with someone who can teach you about the wonders we find on our beautiful shores.  Just call us on 6496 1699 to register your interest.  Just $5 for Adults, $2 for children and $12 for families.  Learning is lots of fun with the staff of Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

School Holidays are here again!

Our Discovery Centre Guides are ready to welcome your family during the September/October School Holidays.  Open 11am till 3pm from Wednesday to Saturday (29th September till 9th October), bring the family in to discovery the Sapphire Coast's marine world.  Touch tank, aquaria, whale room, research displays, DVD presentations, beachcombing table and more - it will keep the kids happy for hours!